Will the Balsams open for 2011-2012 season?

[snowmonster]

Thanks for the info. I feel smarter already.

 

[billski]

I received the following from Balsams today:

"Hi Bill, thanks for the question. Right now it's unclear if the resort or the ski area will be open for the winter. We're hoping to have an answer soon and will share information as soon as it becomes available."

Now THAT is an area that should be on the ski area challenge list!

 

[thetrailboss]

I saw on WCAX.com that management said that there would be a new owner announced on September 15th.

 

[snowmonster]

^ Good to know. Thanks, trailboss!

 

[thetrailboss]

Here's the article: http://caledonianrecord.com/main.asp?SectionID=180&SubSectionID=778&ArticleID=67444

 

[from_the_NEK]

Apparently, someone has purchased the Balsams.

http://www.wcax.com/story/15447642/balsams-grand-resort-has-a-buyer?redirected=true

 

[Smellytele]

The report on WMUR said they will be doing renovations over the winter and reopening in the late spring/ Summer. Doesn't sound like any skiing for the winter but they didn't actually say that.

 

[snoseek]

I don't see how the hotel rennovations would have any effect on the ski area as they are completely seperate geographically. Maybe they would not bother opening the mtn this winter as it really is part of the package. The place is pretty slow as it is. A lot could be done with the ski are imo....

 

[riverc0il]

I don't see how the hotel rennovations would have any effect on the ski area as they are completely seperate geographically. Maybe they would not bother opening the mtn this winter as it really is part of the package. The place is pretty slow as it is. A lot could be done with the ski are imo....

How many guests would they actually get without the hotel being open? I could also see this being a labor issue. I imagine their current year round staff is going to look for employment else where rather than suffer a long lay off. I can't imagine that the ski area makes any money without the hotel, it has to be a loss leader to get folks to the hotel in the winter. It is a smart business decision... as long as they don't loose long time repeat guests.

 

[hrstrat57]

http://thebalsams.com/in_the_news

 

[snoseek]

How many guests would they actually get without the hotel being open? I could also see this being a labor issue. I imagine their current year round staff is going to look for employment else where rather than suffer a long lay off. I can't imagine that the ski area makes any money without the hotel, it has to be a loss leader to get folks to the hotel in the winter. It is a smart business decision... as long as they don't loose long time repeat guests.

That was kind of what I was geting at. The ski area is part of the package, it is indeed a loss leader. The employees I worked with were mostly laid off for six weeks in the spring and six weeks in the fall. It's part of life. I bet most of the true locals stay as there really isn't much else going on up there in the winter.

Seperate note-they had a fantastic culinary school in house. What will become of that?

 

[from_the_NEK]

If the ski area is closed it might make for some sweet skinning for untracked powder later this winter